BNDS vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: VTIMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBNDSVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.88%0.03%
AUM$94M$663.5B
Dividend Yield8.71%1.07%
Holdings773,543
YTD Return+4.44%+14.20%
1Y Return+9.38%+24.16%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.12%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.37%
Volatility (annualized)5.2%15.3%
Max Drawdown-7.0%-56.6%
Fund FamilyInfraCapVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionJan 15, 2025May 24, 2001

BNDS vs VTI Performance

Infrastructure Capital Bond Income ETF (BNDS) is a ETF from InfraCap and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BNDS returned +9.38% while VTI returned +24.16%. Year to date, BNDS is up 4.44% versus a gain of 14.20% for VTI.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 5.2% for BNDS. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -7.0% for BNDS and -56.6% for VTI. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

BNDS charges 0.88% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $88 vs $3 annually, a gap of $85 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BNDS currently yields 8.71% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

0.1%overlap

BNDS and VTI share 4 holdings out of 2849 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in BNDSWeight in VTIDifference
GM2.30%0.10%2.20%
FBRT0.79%0.00%0.79%
CODI0.33%0.00%0.33%
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, BNDS or VTI?

BNDS has an expense ratio of 0.88% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $85 per year of difference.

Which performed better, BNDS or VTI?

Over the past year BNDS returned +9.38% vs +24.16% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), BNDS annualized +8.38% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, BNDS or VTI?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 5.2% for BNDS. Worst drawdown: BNDS -7.0% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both BNDS and VTI?

BNDS and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between BNDS and VTI?

BNDS and VTI share 4 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2849 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, BNDS or VTI?

BNDS yields 8.71% while VTI yields 1.07%, so BNDS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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